Therapeutic massage
A therapeutic massage is a type of massage therapy that involves the manipulation of soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, using various techniques to help alleviate pain, reduce tension, improve circulation and promote relaxation.
I customise the massage based on my client’s needs and may use a combination of techniques, such as deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release.
As a qualified aromatherapist, I have the knowledge and skills to incorporate essential oils into therapeutic massage. However, before doing so, I would need to conduct an in-depth interview with the client to determine their medical history, current mental and physical health status, and individual needs and preferences. Based on this information, I would then select and blend essential oils that are safe and suitable for the client’s specific condition. Essential oils can enhance the benefits of therapeutic massage by promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, relieving pain, and improving overall well-being.
Osteopathy
Structural osteopathy and cranial osteopathy are two different approaches to osteopathic treatment.
Structural osteopathy focuses on the musculoskeletal system, with an emphasis on the joints, muscles, and ligaments. This approach is based on the principles of biomechanics, and practitioners of structural osteopathy use a variety of techniques, such as joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, and stretching, to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function of the musculoskeletal systems as well as addressing musculoskeletal issues.
Cranial osteopathy, on the other hand, is a more subtle approach that focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the bones of the skull, the spine, and the sacrum. They use gentle, non-invasive techniques to release tension in the craniosacral system, which can improve the function of the nervous system, as well as the musculoskeletal and other systems of the body
Commonly treated conditions with Structural Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy
- Neck pain
- Back pain and sciatica
- Shoulder pain, elbow pain and wrist pain
- Trapped nerves
- Hip pain, Knee pain and ankle pain
- Sports Injuries
- Osteoarthritic pain
- Ligaments sprain
- Muscle strain
- Tendinitis
Contact Sabine to find out which treatment will be most suitable for you or to find out more about her expertise.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
You do not need to see your doctor first. Osteopaths are primary healthcare professionals. They often have more training and experience in musculoskeletal medicine than GP’s. However, some insurance companies still require you to see your doctor first, only when using private health cover.
A cranial osteopath (C.Ost) has trained as an osteopath. By law, cranial osteopaths must register with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) each year. Cranial osteopaths must be qualified, be CRB checked and have a valid insurance and provide evidence of continual professional development to update and expand their knowledge. The minimum qualification for an osteopath is completion of a four or five year degree.
Craniosacral therapy in the UK is not a regulated profession. To become a craniosacral therapist (CST) no previous training or minimum qualification is required.
Both therapies have their origins in the work of William Garner Sutherland, an American osteopath. As a result of Sutherland’s background, cranial osteopathic techniques were only taught to osteopaths and the system was based mainly on a biomechanical model focusing on resolving tissue restrictions and dysfunctions throughout the body. John Upledger, another American osteopath, developed his own approach to Sutherland’s work and began teaching to non-osteopaths and called his approach craniosacral therapy. His concept is also biomechanical in its essence but it can integrate somato-emotional release (SER), which addresses emotional issues stored in the body through manual techniques associated with verbal communication. The therapist will ask some specific questions at some key moment during the treatment, which will help unlock both the emotional blockage and the associated physical imbalance.
Osteopaths, Physiotherapists and chiropractors are regulated professions that deal with musculoskeletal pain. Practitioners will be legally registered, insured and have to complete an on-going professional development program.
Osteopathy and chiropractic medicine stem from the same source, however chiropractic treatment tends to focus on spinal manipulation, “clicking the joints”, shorter treatments and more frequent sessions. Physiotherapy tends to incorporate electronic treatment aids and exercise prescription.
Osteopathy and sports massage are very different. Sports massage is not a regulated profession. The training of sport massage therapists do not include musculoskeletal medicine, orthopaedic examination, neurological examination and differential diagnosis. Because of this sports massage therapists are not primary healthcare professionals. In other words, this means that they are not qualified to assess or diagnose musculoskeletal conditions and are not required to train and do not need to be insured. However, sports massage is very effective for relaxing and maintaining healthy muscles, particularly when they are being stressed regularly